DAY 230

12.08.2017; Tripolis - Deir Aamar, Lebanon. Closer and closer to the border with Syria. The plan was to leave Tripoli and continue marching north, reach refugee camp near the border and visit Malaak education center nearby. On this piece we were supported by the team from Operazione Colomba (Operation Dove) who help Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Unfortunately, after 8km of marching, the group was stopped by the Lebanese security forces. First we were invited to talks with an army officer. It took some time as he was trying to get information about what are the options. In the meantime we were offered a meal and drinks, air conditioned space was a relief, but we couldnt go further. Next we were invited to the municipality but with no better output. All official were saying: you can't march further, no one can guarantee your safety north from the spot. Anna called Polish consule, Malika tried with French...but anybody could help. Well, Lebanon is defnitely not a marchers-pedestrian friendly country. Instead its very car-friendly, so we decided to reach the border as everyone else in Lebanon - by cars.

After putting a lot of effort, hours of discussing, trying to find a solution to the situation, slowly came doubts if we will be able to continue. It seemd like there is no option to go further, the Civil March for Aleppo, was to end in Deir Aamar, stopped by local authorities.

Alexander (Italy) from "Operazione Colomba" showed "cold blood". On the basis of his experiences he proposed to give up marching and to reach the north by cars. Most reasonable solution but it meant "no more marching" for the Civil March for Aleppo.